NEW YORK — Barnes & Noble said Tuesday that its fiscal fourth-quarter loss narrowed as the company continues to invest in its Nook e-reader business and adjust to the evolving book business.

Facing tough competition from online retailers and discount stores, the largest traditional U.S. book retailer has invested heavily in the Nook e-reader.

Barnes & Noble broke out sales of its Nook e-reader for the first time, the most transparent it has been about the division to date.

Nook sales fell 11 percent to $164 million during the quarter as the company took back its Nook Simple Touch e-reader from retailers to make room for new inventory. But for the fiscal year, Nook sales rose 34 percent to $933 million.

“We grew our business in 2012 while continuing to make the necessary investments for the future of the business,” said CEO William Lynch.